What do two wonders of the natural world have in common with some of the world’s best food, art and entertainment? The answer is simply and irresistibly the now famous Reef and Rainforest Carnivale.
The 10 day spectacular is set to transform the North Queensland village of Port Douglas into a stream of riotous colour and rhythm, as the 15th Annual Reef and Rainforest Carnivale sets course for Partyville… and you’re invited!
This year’s Carnivale which is to be held between May 23rd and June 1st will be an unrivalled celebration of natural beauty, culinary skill, artistic endeavor, sporting prowess and cultural diversity. Over thirty individual events will make up the Reef & Rainforest Carnivale and each one promises to be as unique as the landscape and people of this magnificent region.
For local residents Carnivale marks the moment when the monsoonal trough begins its retreat. As if on cue people spill out onto the streets, populating the restaurants, art galleries and beaches. Some clamber aboard yachts to hoist sails in preparation for the regattas. Others jostle for position in the estuaries in the hope of catching the tagged Barramundi that could win them $20,000 in prize money!
From the southern Australian states and from around the world, over 50,000 visitors flood to this well-known resort and world heritage region, swelling the population to peak levels. Many come to sample the world-class cuisine on offer at the array of fantastic restaurants in Port Douglas. While a number of food and wine events including the Longest Lunch and the Seafood Extravaganza are some of the highlights for Carnivale.
At the Reef and Rainforest Carnivale art, theatre, music and film blend together to create a vibrant, stimulating Kaleidoscope of experiences. From the inaugural Oceania Art Exhibition to the Quicksilver Food & Wine Festival and the Mossman Music Fest & Rodeo, Carnivale showcases the best works of local, national and international artists and talents.
To off-set all this indulgence, sport fans can watch an AFL home game or tough it out in the Avanti Cycle Criterium, Road Race and Triathalon or perhaps join the outriggers or do a bit of kite surfing and ocean kayaking at the Carnivale Beach Day! The more adventurous we’ll be getting lost and found in the Metrogaine, while Golfers can throw down the gauntlet on two of the best courses in Australia. Also on the agenda is the prestigious Junior Tennis Tournament endorsed by Tennis Queensland and officiated for the 3rd year in a row by tennis legend Yvonne Goolagong-Cawley.
One of the Carnivale family highlights will be the spectacular Street Parade and Fireworks display. One after the other traditional, vibrant and often outrageous floats will roll down the street each joined by world-class circus performers, street theatre acts and live bands. Each float will be uniquely created to this year’s theme- ‘Bringing the Country to the Coast’ and followed by the Carnivale Fireworks display sending over 2000 individual explosions of glittering colour into the night sky!
Amidst the string of events that make up the Carnivale, differences are transcended and locals and visitors party in tropical utopia, together celebrating in very unique style the meeting of two great wonders of the natural world – The Reefs and Rainforests of Tropical North Queensland.
Come to Carnivale, you’d be mad to miss it!
Dates: Friday 23rd May – Sunday 1st June 2008
Events: Over 30 Events with various start and finishing times. Some Events are FREE while others attract entry fee.
For further information on the Mantra Reef and Rainforest Carnivale visit: www.carnivale.com.au
Book online now with Port O'Call Eco Lodge to secure your accommodation!
